Council trials new parking meter initiatives

Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner is launching a three-month trial at 28 parking meters in Kelvin Grove of two new parking meter initiatives designed to improve customer experience.

Cr Schrinner said metered parking ensured traffic flow could be maintained in high demand areas, which boosted business opportunities by keeping on-street car parks turning over and allowed better accessibility to local facilities for residents.

“Council’s parking operations and initiatives are a part of our commitment to keep Brisbane moving and ensure motorists enjoy a positive parking experience,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Previously, our parking meters displayed information regarding operation and cost, but this differed depending on the zone the meter was located within.

“New information stickers, which will be located on the front of the parking meter machines, have been developed by Council to establish consistency across all devices in Brisbane.

“The new sticker will provide clear and concise instructions on how to use the meter, payment options and a website address for more information.”

Cr Schrinner said the information sticker would supplement the step-by-step instructions contained on the parking meter screen.

“This sticker, developed in response to customer feedback, will also detail how to report a request for service,” he said.

“One such way will be via SMS, which is part of another new initiative Council is trialling.

“The introduction of real-time fault reporting will allow customers to lodge parking meter faults via SMS for the first time.”

Cr Schrinner said all previous requests for service had been captured through Council’s Contact Centre.

“Through the new reporting method customers can send an SMS detailing the meter number, car registration number and a short description of the type of problem experienced,” he said.

“The initiative will also enable real time SMS responses to confirm receipt of the request, advise of meter closure information for events or construction activities, or when the meter is repaired by a technician.”

For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone Council on (07) 3403 8888.